Tunnels

Guadarrama Tunnel

The Guadarrama Tunnel forms part of the Madrid-Segovia-Valladolid high-speed railway line, crossing the Central System and thus facilitating communication between the Meseta and the north of the peninsula, by means of a double 28.2 kilometre long, 8.50 metre diameter tunnel that was excavated from both ends This is a new north-south railway connection that will facilitate communication between the Meseta and the north of the peninsula, crossing the Guadarrama mountain chain.

The project consists of the construction of batches 3 and 4 of this tunnel via the execution of two parallel tunnels from the two north mouths on the route, with lengths of 13.3 kilometres for batch 3 and 15.8 kilometres for batch 4.

Execution is via an 8.50 metre inside diameter, double-shield TBM that allows simultaneous excavation stages and the installation of the final lining of 32-cm thick prefabricated reinforced-concrete voussoirs. The total excavated diameter is 9.46 metres on the east side and 9.50 metres on the west side.

A total of 58 connection galleries are constructed between the tunnels every 250 metres of excavation, using mechanical means, together with seven transformer substations every 2,250 metres.

The tunnel is designed for an operational speed of 350 kph considering aerodynamic and comfort criteria.

The contract includes the installation of ballastless single track and the ventilation, lighting, telephony, signalling, public address, fire detection and extinction and electrification systems, together with all safety measures during operation.

Special mention must be made of voussoir manufacture at the worksite with two joint installations, including concrete plant, mould room with vibratory benches, steam curing tunnel and high-capacity outside storage.

Remarkable aspects

Key works for the new railway access to the north and northeast of Spain.

The fourth longest railway tunnel in Europe and the fifth in the world.

The extracted rubble is transported to an old quarry, thus reducing the environmental impact.